Does It Have to Be a Different Email or Different Business Name for Each GMB?

Short Answer: You can use the same business name for multiple Google My Business (GMB) listings; however, to prevent any suspension or issues in the future, it is recommended to slightly modify the business name for each location, such as by adding the city name at the end.

Full Explanation

When managing multiple Google My Business listings, it is important to consider how the business name is displayed. Although the core business name can remain the same across different locations, identical names without any differentiation might raise flags in Google’s system. To avoid potential suspensions or complications, making a small adjustment to the business name for each location can provide clarity and reduce risks. A simple and effective approach is to append the city name or another distinguishing detail to each listing’s name. This method clearly defines each local presence while maintaining brand consistency.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Use a consistent core business name: Keep your main brand name uniform to maintain recognition across locations.
2. Modify the business name slightly for each location: Add a unique identifier, such as the city name, at the end of the business name. For example, “ABC Plumbing – Dallas” versus “ABC Plumbing – Austin.”
3. Manage separate GMB listings: Each location should have its own GMB profile with the adjusted business name, ensuring clarity and compliance.
4. Prevent future issues: These small name changes help prevent Google from viewing your listings as duplicate or spam accounts, thus reducing the chance of suspension.

Real Examples

Consider a company named “Smith’s Landscaping” that operates in multiple cities. Instead of listing all locations simply as “Smith’s Landscaping,” they might list their GMB profiles as “Smith’s Landscaping New York,” “Smith’s Landscaping Chicago,” and “Smith’s Landscaping Miami.” This method enhances local relevance and clarifies each location’s identity for customers and Google alike.

Common Mistakes

• Using identical business names for all locations without differentiation: This can increase the risk of GMB suspensions or listing rejections.
• Failing to adjust business names while expecting unique listings: Even if email addresses differ, identical business names on multiple locations may still cause issues.
• Overcomplicating the name changes: It’s best to keep modifications simple and straightforward, such as adding a city or neighborhood name.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a different email for each GMB listing?
A: The focus is more on business name differentiation. While it’s possible to use different emails, the key recommendation is to vary the business name slightly to avoid suspension issues.

Q: Can I use completely different business names for the same company?
A: It’s better to maintain a consistent core name with slight variations to clearly identify each location rather than entirely different names.

Key Takeaways

• Using the same business name across multiple GMB listings is allowed but carries some risk.
• Slightly modifying each location’s business name, such as by adding the city name, helps prevent suspension or issues.
• Simple changes improve clarity for both customers and Google.
• Consistent core branding combined with minor location-based adjustments is the best practice for managing multiple GMB profiles.